Metrorail strike called off

Thursday, December 2, 2010

-------------------

Pretoria - The strike by SATAWU and UTATU trade unions has been temporarily called off, with both unions saying workers will return to their stations during the course of the day.

"Trains will start to operate as and when train operation staff return to their workplace," said Metrorail Western Cape Region spokesperson Riana Scott.

However, she said metrorail management would still advise persons with urgent appointments or students writing examinations to make alternative arrangements.

Golden Arrow would continue to assist season ticket holders during off-peak times.

Scott said the relief would be short-lived as they had been served another notice of intention to strike by SATAWU's provincial office.

Metrorail will test the legality of the notice before responding.

On Wednesday, thousands of train commuters were left stranded across the province. The train operators are protesting against the introduction of the rotational night shift roster by their employer.

Regional Manager of Metrorail Western Cape, Lindelo Matya said yesterday the principle of more productive shifts to increase operational and financial efficiencies was agreed to as part of wage discussions earlier this year.

He said the rotational shift system will allow Metrorail flexibility to extend its hours of operation and conduct critical maintenance work outside of peak hours, over weekends and at night.